Local governments need creative and dynamic leaders who are prepared to break through the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset to help communities thrive. Transformative leaders build resilient organizations that are unafraid to try new things, reform and improve business processes, and encourage empathy throughout the organization.
The new Transformative Local Government Utility Leaders cohort presented by the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) network and Raftelis is designed to invigorate leaders – whether seasoned or up-and-coming – and immerse them in innovative leadership thinking and process improvement. ELGL and Raftelis believe in the power of collaboration to fast track learning using shared experiences, connection building, and information sharing.
This unique cohort learning experience blends online and in person learning and connection building. Participants will virtually onboard and meet their colleagues the last week of April. Then, all participants gather for in-person learning at the new Raftelis training center in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 9-13, 2022. Learning and connecting continues after the time in Cincinnati ends, using technology and connection building on Community.ELGL.org and at the ELGL conference on October 12-14, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Applications are closed.
Who should apply?
This program is for local government and utility leaders who are ready to take that next step in their career and are looking for innovation, leadership, communications, and engagement training that is highly practical and relevant in local government and utility workplaces. Given Raftelis’ experience in the public utility sector, the curriculum will draw from their rich history of advising water, sewer, and public works departments. People working in these enterprises in local government, or who aspire to work in utility enterprises, are encouraged to apply.
And, thanks to a generous grant from the Spring Point Partners, LLC, full scholarships for both the cohort fee and travel expenses will be available to encourage women and black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) leaders to participate in the Transformative Local Government Utility Leaders cohort. Our organizations seek to build the bench of future leaders in the water sector with more women and BIPOC leaders, to prepare them for the leadership opportunities and critical challenges in the water sector.
Cohort Dates
May 9-13, 2022 in Cincinnati, OH + ongoing learning cohort.
During the in-person learning time, the cohort will apply their learning by working through an utility -specific simulation that will provide hands-on experience working through common organizational challenges and scenarios. Over the span of four full-days, participants will be led through course content, case studies, and hands-on exercises through the following curriculum:
Authentic Leadership
Prior to meeting in Cincinnati, participants will have the opportunity to complete an EverythingDiSC® Management profile, an online assessment aimed at providing insights into the one-on-one relationships a leader has with individual staff and colleagues. During the in-person training, participants will dive deeper into their DiSC ® results to gain insights into their own behaviors and authentic leadership style. Participants will explore various dimensions of leadership and work to identify and cultivate their personal and authentic leadership priorities.
Strategic Planning and Visioning
Participants will learn the purpose and process for developing the vision and strategic priorities of an organization. This content will include the primary components of a strategic plan, tools and techniques for community engagement in the strategic planning process, developing consensus on vision and strategic priorities, and methods for operationalizing and implementing strategic plans once they are developed.
Problem Solving and Innovation
Participants will learn and practice problem solving and innovation concepts and techniques, aimed at improving operations and solving organizational issues. Problem solving concepts and tools will include root cause analysis, gap analysis, and addressing equity in process improvement. Innovation concepts and tools will include creative problem solving techniques such as behavioral insights and “yes, and” thinking.
Change Management and Organizational Culture
Participants will develop a practical understanding of change management concepts so that they can be successful champions of change and promote a culture of innovation within their organizations. Key concepts that will be covered include understanding and working with common reactions to change, communication tools for supporting change, and methods for building investment and buy-in with an organization.
Inclusive Staff Engagement and Motivation
Transformative leadership requires an intentional and inclusive approach to staff engagement and motivation. Participants will learn concepts and techniques related to promoting a culture of innovation and inclusion and developing a sense of ownership and accountability within the organization.
Cost & Time Commitment
The total program cost is $2,000/person plus travel expenses. Full and partial scholarships are available and women and BIPOC local government leaders are encouraged to apply.
The May 9-13, 2022 training is required and cannot be completed remotely. The week includes all training and connection sessions, plus some meals and social events.
The October 12-14, 2022 ELGL conference is optional but highly recommended; it is anticipated that the cohort participants will co-lead conference sessions to further improve their public speaking, presentation, facilitation, and leadership skills.
Before and after the May 2022 in-person training, the cohort will meet and connect using an online platform at Community.ELGL.org. These sessions will include introductory learning and connecting, guest speakers, social hours, and planning.
Applications are closed.
Applications will be accepted through April 1st. Participants will be notified by April 8th.
About the Sponsors
Raftelis helps local governments and utilities thrive by providing management consulting expertise to help transform local governments and utilities. We’ve helped more than 600 organizations in the last year alone. We work in all areas of management consulting including: finance, assessment, communications, technology, executive recruitment, and strategic planning.
Rooted in Philadelphia, Spring Point Partners is a social impact organization that takes a collaborative approach to creating positive change within communities. With equity and social justice as our guideposts, we partner with individuals and institutions to support transformative impact.